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Run These Routes to See Columbus’ Sights

July 11, 2019

When visiting a new city for a meeting, convention, trade show or event, it always feels like there’s so much to do in so little time, and very rarely is there time for exploration. To help you and your attendees get to know Columbus a bit better the next time you’re in our city, we’ve put together some running (or walking) routes that allow you to kill two birds with one stone: get exercise and see some of the city’s top sights.

Route 1: One Mile

Running North on High Street will take you through the Short North Arts District, signified by the arches overhead, an eclectic neighborhood full of outstanding restaurants, unique boutiques and one-of-a-kind galleries.

After taking a left on Buttles Ave., at the northwest corner of Buttles Ave. and Park St., you’ll see Cocoa Manor, home to the owner of Anthony-Thomas Candy Company, a Columbus-based organization known for its delicious buckeye candy and gourmet chocolates.

As you run along Buttles Ave. be sure to take in the beautiful Victorian architecture of the neighborhood, from where the area gets the name Victorian Village.

At the southwest corner of Buttles and Dennison Avenues you’ll encounter the Sells House, originally built by circus magnate Peter Sells of the Sells Brothers Circus.

As you run down Park St., the North Market will be on your left. The city’s oldest public market is home to dozens of independent merchants selling organic produce, locally roasted coffee, baked goods, cheeses, flowers and an international selection of freshly prepared foods.

Turning from Front St. onto Nationwide Blvd. will have you running alongside Nationwide Arena, home to NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, AFL’s Columbus Destroyers and hundreds of nationally touring headline concerts and events.

Across from the west end of Nationwide Arena, you’ll see the Union Station Arch that sits at the entrance to McFerson Commons (or Arch Park as it is affectionately known). This arch is the only remaining piece of the Union Train Station that used to stand where the convention center is currently located.

When turning from Nationwide Blvd. onto Neil Ave., don’t miss Huntington Park, home to Triple-A Baseball’s Columbus Clippers (farm team to the Cleveland Indians) on the northwest corner.

The path along the river is part of the Scioto Mile, an urban oasis of more than 175 acres of parkland that incorporates parks, boulevards, bikeways and pedestrian paths along the west side of downtown.

Across the river sits the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, the only place in the country where the stories of all veterans and their families, from all eras of conflict, are told in one location.

On the northeast corner of Front and Broad Streets is the iconic LeVeque Tower. This art deco skyscraper was the fifth tallest building in the world when it was built in 1927 and was once used as a beacon by Amelia Earhart. Now, it houses Hotel LeVeque, an Autograph Collection hotel, as well as a mix of office and residences.

The final point of interest to note while heading back to the convention center is the headquarters of Nationwide Insurance, a well-known Fortune 500 (#73) company headquartered in Columbus.

Route 3: Five Miles

The first notable site you’ll see as you approach and cross Nationwide Blvd. is the headquarters of Nationwide Insurance, a well-known Fortune 500 (#73) company headquartered in Columbus.

Further along High St., on the east side between Broad St. and State St., is the Ohio Statehouse, one of the oldest working statehouses in the country.

Just south of that is the Columbus Commons, a six-acre park and greenspace built on the site of the former City Center mall that hosts concerts, festivals, fitness classes and hundreds of other events throughout the year.

After crossing over the highway, you’ll find yourself in the Brewery District. Once the industrial hub of the city’s historic beer scene, this area was hit hard during prohibition but has been revitalized and now features lively entertainment and dining options like Shadowbox Live! And Rockmill Tavern.

When you reach Deshler Ave., you’ll notice the incredible mansions of German Village. German Village is the residential area that was inhabited by those who worked in the Brewery District’s breweries. The brewmasters lived in mansions along the park, and the farther away you got from the park the smaller the houses get based on rank within the brewery. Currently, the entire neighborhood is on the National Registrar of Historic Places.

Schiller Park, though at the south of the neighborhood is the heart of German Village with its trails, fountains and amphitheater that hosts Shakespeare in the Park performances on summer weekends.

As you head up Third Ave., don’t miss The Book Loft, one of the nation’s largest independent bookstores with 32 rooms of books at bargain prices.

The last site of note along this route is The Ohio Theater, visible as you loop back toward the convention center by the statehouse, known for its Mighty Morton Organ that used to accompany silent films and still functions to this day.

Route 4: Six Miles

Running North on High Street will take you through the Short North Arts District, signified by the arches overhead, an eclectic neighborhood full of outstanding restaurants, unique boutiques and one-of-a-kind galleries.

As you pass 5th Ave., you’ll notice the arches disappear and the architecture begin to change, signifying you’ve entered The Ohio State University Campus. There is a significant amount of development happening along campuses High St. corridor as the university continues to grow.

At the northwest corner of Lane Ave. and Olentangy River Rd. is Value City Arena at the Jerome Schottenstein Center, home to the Ohio State University Buckeyes men’s and women’s basketball teams and men’s ice hockey. Additionally, many nationally touring acts make stops at “The Schott.”

Making your way back south through the heart of campus will take you past the historic Ohio Stadium, known as the Shoe thanks it’s horseshoe shape, home to Ohio State University Buckeye Football and Buckeye Country Superfest.

Soon after, you’ll pass The Oval, a quad of about 11 acres on the historical center of campus.

Once back along the residential part of this route, be sure to take in the beautiful Victorian architecture of the neighborhood, from where the area gets the name Victorian Village.